Free Gravel Calculator: Estimate Tons, Yards & Cost
Enter length, width and depth. Get cubic yards, tons, bags and cost in seconds.
Last updated: October 2026
This free gravel calculator gives you cubic yards, tons, bags and cost.
Enter the size of your area. Pick a gravel type. Add a waste factor. The gravel estimator does the math at once.
It suits paths, patios, garden beds and base layers. For long drives, use the driveway gravel calculator. For stone sizes, try the stone calculator.
Gravel Calculator: Yards, Tons & Cost
Estimate gravel for patios, paths, garden beds and base layers.
The gravel bag calculator shows how many bags you need. All results include your waste factor.
How Much Gravel Do I Need? Step-by-Step Guide
Four steps tell you how much gravel you need. Each step uses simple math. Or enter your numbers in the calculator above.
Step 1: Measure the Area
Measure the length and width with a tape. Use feet to keep the math simple. Multiply the two numbers to get square feet.
Formula: Area (sq ft) = Length × Width
Example: 20 ft × 10 ft = 200 sq ft.
Is your space curved or L-shaped? Split it into rectangles, circles and triangles. Then add the parts together. Subtract any trees, planters or pools inside the area. The calculator above handles all three shapes.
Step 2: Pick the Depth
Depth depends on the job. A garden path needs less than a base layer.
| Project type | Typical depth | Go deeper |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative beds | 1.5–2 in | Guide: pea gravel calculator |
| Walkways and paths | 2–3 in | — |
| Patios and garden paths | 3–4 in | — |
| Drives and parking pads | 4–6 in | driveway gravel calculator |
| Heavy-traffic base layers | 8–12 in | gravel depth guide |
| Drainage trenches | 8–12 in | French drain guide |
The formula needs depth in feet. Divide inches by 12.
Formula: Depth (ft) = Depth (in) ÷ 12
Example: 4 in ÷ 12 = 0.33 ft.
Want more depth advice? Read the gravel depth guide.
Step 3: Calculate the Volume
Multiply area by depth to get cubic feet. Then divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
Formula: Cubic feet = Length × Width × Depth (ft)
Formula: Cubic yards = Cubic feet ÷ 27
Example: 20 × 10 × 0.33 = 66.7 cu ft. Then 66.7 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards.
Short on time? Use this shortcut: length × width × depth (in) ÷ 324. Need cubic feet? Try the cubic feet calculator.
Step 4: Convert Yards to Tons
Suppliers often sell gravel by the ton. Multiply cubic yards by the density.
Formula: Tons = Cubic yards × Density (tons per cubic yard)
Use 1.4 tons per cubic yard as a safe average. Then 2.47 × 1.4 = 3.46 tons. Add 10% extra for a final order of 3.8 tons.
Need a different density? Use the yards to tons calculator.
Gravel Calculator in Yards, Tons & Square Feet
Gravel is planned in cubic yards. It is often sold in tons. This page converts between both.
Gravel calculator yards
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324. One cubic yard holds 27 cubic feet.
Gravel calculator tons
Tons = cubic yards × 1.4 for a typical load. One ton is about 0.71 cubic yards. Heavier stone with fines, such as crusher run, weighs more.
| Cubic yards | Tons at 1.3 | Tons at 1.4 | Tons at 1.5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5 |
| 2 | 2.6 | 2.8 | 3.0 |
| 3 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.5 |
| 5 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 |
| 10 | 13.0 | 14.0 | 15.0 |
Gravel calculator square feet
Already know your area? Use this table for quick estimates. Values show cubic yards and tons at 1.4 tons per yard.
| Area | 2 in deep | 3 in deep | 4 in deep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 yd³ / 0.86 t | 0.93 yd³ / 1.30 t | 1.23 yd³ / 1.73 t |
| 250 sq ft | 1.54 yd³ / 2.16 t | 2.31 yd³ / 3.24 t | 3.09 yd³ / 4.32 t |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 yd³ / 4.32 t | 4.63 yd³ / 6.48 t | 6.17 yd³ / 8.64 t |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 yd³ / 8.64 t | 9.26 yd³ / 12.96 t | 12.35 yd³ / 17.28 t |
Tonnage calculator and yard calculator tips
A tonnage calculator turns volume into weight. A gravel yard calculator turns weight back into volume. Always confirm the unit on your quote.
Ordering 10 tons when you need 10 cubic yards leaves you about 29% short. That is only 7.1 cubic yards. Check units in writing before delivery.
Cubic yard calculator for gravel
Use the calculator above for gravel by the yard. For other materials, open the cubic yard calculator.
Gravel Coverage Chart (Per Ton and Per Cubic Yard)
One ton of gravel covers about 116 sq ft at 2 in deep. At 4 in deep, it covers about 58 sq ft.
| Depth | Sq ft per ton | Sq ft per cubic yard | Cubic yards per 100 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 231 | 324 | 0.31 |
| 2 in | 116 | 162 | 0.62 |
| 3 in | 77 | 108 | 0.93 |
| 4 in | 58 | 81 | 1.23 |
| 6 in | 39 | 54 | 1.85 |
Use this gravel coverage calculator chart for quick checks. For exact numbers, use the tool above.
Gravel Calculator Examples
These examples use 1.4 tons per cubic yard. The last column adds 10% extra.
| Project | Area | Depth | Cubic yards | Tons | With 10% extra (yd³ / tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small patio, 10 × 10 ft | 100 sq ft | 2 in | 0.62 | 0.86 | 0.68 / 0.95 |
| Small patio, 10 × 10 ft | 100 sq ft | 3 in | 0.93 | 1.30 | 1.02 / 1.43 |
| Small patio, 10 × 10 ft | 100 sq ft | 4 in | 1.23 | 1.73 | 1.36 / 1.90 |
| Garden path, 3 × 50 ft | 150 sq ft | 3 in | 1.39 | 1.94 | 1.53 / 2.14 |
| Patio base, 12 × 12 ft | 144 sq ft | 4 in | 1.78 | 2.49 | 1.96 / 2.74 |
| Round bed, 10 ft wide | 79 sq ft | 3 in | 0.73 | 1.02 | 0.80 / 1.12 |
| Parking pad, 20 × 10 ft (see driveway gravel calculator) | 200 sq ft | 4 in | 2.47 | 3.46 | 2.72 / 3.80 |
The calculator default uses crushed stone at 1.6 tons per cubic yard plus 10% waste. For the 20 × 10 ft pad at 4 in, that gives 2.72 cubic yards. That equals 4.35 tons.
Hand math at 1.4 gives less weight. Denser stone raises the tons. Pick your real stone in the calculator.
Gravel bag calculator
Bags suit small jobs. This table shows 10 × 10 ft with 0.5 cu ft bags.
| Depth | Volume | Bags needed |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 16.7 cu ft | 34 |
| 3 in | 25.0 cu ft | 50 |
| 4 in | 33.3 cu ft | 67 |
How to calculate gravel for a circle
Find the area with π × radius². Multiply by depth in feet. Divide by 27.
Example: a 10 ft circle, 3 in deep. 3.14 × 5 × 5 × 0.25 ÷ 27 = 0.73 cubic yards.
Crushed Gravel Calculator: Plan for Compaction
Loose crushed stone shrinks when you roll it. The calculator gives loose volume. Plan extra for compaction.
The Penn State Driving Surface Aggregate Handbook gives clear examples. An 8 in loose lift compacts to about 6 in. A 6 in loose lift compacts to about 4.5 in.
| Finished depth | Loose depth to spread |
|---|---|
| 2 in | 2.7 in |
| 3 in | 4.0 in |
| 4 in | 5.3 in |
| 6 in | 8.0 in |
Enter the extra as your waste factor. Use 10% for light jobs. Use 15% or more on soft or sloped ground.
Using crusher run? Read the crusher run and road base guide. Comparing stone shapes? See pea gravel vs crushed stone.
Gravel Types, Sizes and Density
Each gravel type has its own density. The calculator uses these values.
| Type | Typical size | Density (tons/yd³) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | ¼–½ in | 1.45 | Paths, play areas, decor |
| Crushed stone | ¾–1 in | 1.60 | Base layers, drainage |
| River rock | 1–3 in | 1.40 | Dry creek beds, borders |
| Decomposed granite | Fine | 1.50 | Patios and paths |
| Limestone | Varies | 1.60 | Bases and fill |
| Crusher run (#21A) | Mixed with fines | 1.62 | Compacted bases |
| Sand | Fine | 1.35 | Bedding layers |
| Rip rap | Large | 1.55 | Erosion control |
Gravel and crushed stone are core construction aggregates. Industry background: USGS sand and gravel data and NSSGA. NSSGA is the trade group for aggregate producers.
More sizes and weights are in our guide to types of gravel, sizes and weights.
Gravel Cost Calculator: Estimate Your Price
Cost = tons × price per ton. Enter your local price in the calculator.
| Price per ton | Cost for 3.8 tons |
|---|---|
| $30 | $114 |
| $45 | $171 |
| $60 | $228 |
Prices vary by region and stone type. See current ranges in the gravel cost per ton guide. Ready to order? Read where to buy gravel near you.
How to Order Gravel After You Calculate
A good quote prevents short loads and surprise fees. Check these points before you pay.
- Unit: confirm cubic yards or tons in writing.
- Stone name and size: match it to your calculator choice.
- Delivery fee: ask if it is separate from the material price.
- Scale ticket: ask for it on tonnage orders.
- Truck access: check width and overhead room with the supplier.
- Timing: schedule delivery after the base is ready.
Compare prices in the gravel cost per ton guide. Find suppliers in where to buy gravel near you.
Common Gravel Calculator Mistakes
- Mixing inches and feet. Convert depth to feet first, or you will order 12 times too much.
- Mixing yards and tons. The two units are not equal. Check every quote.
- Ignoring compaction. Dense stone shrinks. Add a waste factor.
- Ordering the exact amount. Spills and uneven ground use extra stone. Add 10%.
- Using round stone for loads. Round stone shifts under weight. Compare in pea gravel vs crushed stone.
- Forgetting wet weight. Rain adds weight to stockpiles. Ask for a scale ticket.
- Skipping the base. Soft soil swallows stone. Follow how to lay a gravel driveway.
Related Gravel Calculators and Guides
- yards to tons calculator — convert yards and tons.
- driveway gravel calculator — long, narrow areas and base layers.
- cubic yard calculator and cubic feet calculator — volume conversions.
- stone calculator — stone sizes and weights.
- pea gravel calculator — pea gravel jobs and costs.
- gravel cost per ton guide — current price ranges.
- gravel depth guide — how deep for every project.
- French drain guide — drainage trenches.
- crusher run and road base guide — compacted bases.
- where to buy gravel near you — suppliers and delivery.
- types of gravel, sizes and weights.
- Browse the full gravel guides hub.
Quick answers about using the gravel calculator, coverage, tons and yards.
Gravel Calculator FAQs
Use this free gravel estimator and gravel calculator to plan any small or mid-size job. Get cubic yards, tons, bags and cost in one step.
Enter length, width and depth. Pick your stone. Add extra for waste. Then order with confidence.
About the Author
CalcGravel Team — Landscaping & Construction Materials Research
The CalcGravel team researches and maintains this guide. We use published industry standards and supplier specifications. Formulas follow standard volume math. Densities are planning averages and vary by supplier. Always confirm weights with your supplier.